California Lutheran University (CLU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About California Lutheran University
Morning light spills across oak dotted hills and the place hums with purpose. California Lutheran University is known for a liberal arts core with strengths in business, science, psychology, communication, and the arts. Small, discussion based classes pair with hands on labs, studios, and creative spaces. Students lean on faculty mentors, a well used library, tutoring and writing help, advising, wellness support, and reflection spaces that nod to its Lutheran roots while welcoming every viewpoint.
Student life runs from clubs and service projects to concerts, theater, and competitive sports, with trailheads and beaches calling on weekends. The vibe is calm, friendly, a little outdoorsy, and people actually say hi. Career prep is practical, with a career center connecting internships across Ventura County and greater Los Angeles, plus alumni who open doors. Thousand Oaks brings open space, local nonprofits, and nearby industry. Traditions lean into service, cultural festivals, and quiet moments under the big oaks.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
California Lutheran University (CLU) offers 59 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,051 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (12 programs, 264 graduates), Education (6 programs, 145 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 110 graduates), Social Sciences (7 programs, 70 graduates) and Arts (5 programs, 70 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (12 programs, 264 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 171 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Management Science | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1301 |
| Financial Planning and Services | 15 |
|
Master's
|
52.0804 |
| Accounting | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Marketing Management | 10 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
52.1401 |
| Organizational Leadership | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0213 |
| Finance, General | 9 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
52.0801 |
| Organizational Behavior | 7 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
52.1003 |
| Information Resources Management | 6 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
52.1206 |
| International Business and Trade | 5 |
|
Master's
|
52.1101 |
| Hospitality Management | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0901 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 1 |
|
Master's
|
52.0701 |
Education (6 programs, 145 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 44 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 31 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| College Student Counseling and Personnel Services | 29 |
|
Master's
|
13.1102 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 23 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
13.0401 |
| Special Education Teaching | 16 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Higher Education Administration | 2 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
13.0406 |
Psychology (2 programs, 110 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 86 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Clinical Psychology | 24 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
42.2801 |
Social Sciences (7 programs, 70 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0401 |
| Sociology | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 3 |
|
Master's
|
45.0603 |
| International Relations | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0901 |
| Social Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
Arts (5 programs, 70 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0602 |
| Intermedia and Multimedia | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0706 |
| Theatre Arts | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Art Studies | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 64 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 29 |
|
Master's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer Science | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
| Information Science | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0401 |
Communication (2 programs, 61 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Communication Management and Strategic Communication | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0909 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 58 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 53 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Health (1 programs, 36 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapy | 36 |
|
Master's
|
51.1505 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at California Lutheran University (CLU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about California Lutheran University (CLU)
How much does it cost to attend California Lutheran University (CLU)?
The annual tuition at California Lutheran University (CLU) is $50,670 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $73,386 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,734 (on) / $19,431 (off) and books and supplies $936.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does California Lutheran University offer?
California Lutheran University (CLU) offers 59 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (12 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University (CLU) has an 88.9% acceptance rate and a 12.2% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 5,290
- Students admitted: 4,702
- Students enrolled: 575
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University (CLU) provides financial aid to 24% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $36,687 and average loans of $6,781.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,545
- State/Local grants: $9,004
- Institutional grants: $31,699
- Federal loans: $5,627
The university supports 601 students with grants and 542 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for California Lutheran University graduates?
California Lutheran University (CLU) graduates earn a median salary of $54,981 after 6 years and $68,712 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $44,592 (25th percentile) to $96,084 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,300 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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